Comments on new power line corridor designations

October 02, 2007

On Tuesday, the Department of Energy designated 52 out of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties as part of a “national interest electric transmission corridor.” Under the law, the federal government can approve new power transmission towers within the corridor if states and regional groups fail to build such lines.

“It is disheartening that after strong opposition from local and state governments and a public outcry of opposition that the department plans to proceed with no changes.” — Pennsylvania Sens. Arlen Specter and Bob Casey in a letter Tuesday to the Department of Energy.

“The American economy is strong and growing, but if we are to remain a competitive international player, we need to update our antiquated grid. I am very pleased with today’s DOE announcement, which aims to ease grid congestion and helps to reduce electricity cost … Ample public feedback has been afforded, and it is now time to move forward with providing the American people more reasonably priced, reliable sources of electricity.” — Rep. John Peterson, R-Pa.

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“I don’t think the intent of the Energy Act was to designate entire swaths of the country, specifically the Mid-Atlantic, the entire state of Pennsylvania and other areas, as part of a corridor.” — Rep. Todd Platts, R-Pa.

“This plan will turn three-quarters of Pennsylvania’s counties into a superhighway of power lines and transmission towers. The Department of Energy ignored the strong opposition from Pennsylvanians by approving the same plan that was originally proposed and roundly criticized.” — Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.

“This decision will unjustly strip private land owners of their property rights through the use of federal eminent domain. What we need to do is work to ensure that this unilateral decision becomes properly balanced with state rights as well as those of property owners, and I intend to work toward that goal.” — Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa.